ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Houston Motorist During Arrest
An ICE agent shot and killed a man in Houston on Tuesday during what the agency called a targeted immigration enforcement operation. The man's son says his father was simply looking for day labor work. The incident raises urgent questions about what immigrants should know if ICE tries to stop them.
What Happened in Houston
A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national, during an enforcement operation in Houston. ICE said Salgado rammed an ICE vehicle, refused verbal commands, and tried to run over an officer with his car. ICE said the officer fired in self-defense. Salgado was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Salgado's son, Ronaldo Salgado, told Spanish-language station Telemundo Houston a different story. He said his father was in the area looking for workers to hire — a common practice in day-labor areas — when the shooting happened. Reuters was not able to immediately verify Salgado's immigration status or the exact circumstances of the shooting.
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Why Initial ICE Accounts Have Been Questioned Before
This is not the first time an ICE account of a confrontation has been challenged. In a similar case, a Chicago-area woman named Marimar Martinez was accused of ramming law enforcement officers with her car in October. She was shot five times but survived. Charges against her were later dropped, and video evidence suggested that agents may have struck her vehicle themselves — not the other way around. This pattern shows why independent evidence matters in these cases.
What to Do If ICE Tries to Stop You
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the US.
- Do not run from or physically resist ICE officers — even if you believe the stop is wrong. Lawyers strongly advise against any action that could be interpreted as threatening or dangerous.
- If you are stopped in a vehicle, keep your hands visible. Do not make sudden movements. Comply with basic safety instructions while staying silent on immigration questions.
- Contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible after any ICE encounter. Write down everything you remember — time, location, what was said, and what happened — while it is fresh.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Bond Hearing: How to Get Released”.
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Anyone stopped by ICE has the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to refuse consent to a search — these rights apply regardless of immigration status. If you are detained, clearly state: 'I am exercising my right to remain silent and I want to speak to a lawyer.' Do not sign any documents without legal counsel, as signing can waive important rights in removal proceedings. Given the serious and sometimes disputed nature of ICE enforcement encounters, consulting an immigration attorney before any interaction — if possible — is strongly advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have rights if ICE tries to stop my car?
Yes. You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions about your immigration status. However, lawyers strongly advise against physically resisting or fleeing, as this can escalate the situation dangerously and create additional legal problems.
Can ICE shoot someone just for trying to drive away?
ICE says its officer fired in self-defense after the driver allegedly tried to run over an officer. The full circumstances are still under investigation. Past cases have shown that initial agency accounts are sometimes contradicted by video evidence, so independent investigations matter.
What should I do if I witness or experience a violent ICE encounter?
If it is safe to do so, document what you see — video, photos, written notes with times and locations. Contact an immigration rights organization or attorney immediately. Your account may be important if the incident is investigated.
Who investigates when an ICE agent shoots someone?
The FBI typically investigates use-of-force incidents involving federal agents. ICE's parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), may also conduct a review. In this Houston case, neither the FBI nor DHS had responded to media requests for comment as of the time of reporting.